Why Ricardo Horta would be a fantastic fit at Newcastle United
As per Portuguese media Ojogo (h/t Chronicle Live), Newcastle United are interested in signing SC Braga forward Ricardo Horta in the summer.
Horta, 25, came through the ranks of Benfica and joined Vitoria Setubal’s U19 side in the summer of 2011. In his two seasons with Setubal’s senior set-up, he made 40 appearances, scoring 7 goals and providing 4 assists before moving to Spain with Malaga in the summer of 2014.
He then joined Braga initially on loan before making a permanent switch to the Portuguese outfit in the summer of 2017. Since then, he has gone on to become an integral member of the club and has made 178 appearances to date.
He was also instrumental in helping the club lift the Portuguese League cup back in January as he scored the only winning goal in the final against FC Porto. He has been in sublime form this season, and thus, Newcastle should make a move for this summer.
Horta’s consistency could come in handy for Newcastle’s attacking unit
Newcastle’s attacking unit has failed miserably throughout the campaign. Until the suspension of the league, they managed just 25 goals in 29 league games. Summer signing Joelinton has been inconsistent throughout the campaign and the other strikers also haven’t supported him properly.
In the wide areas, only Miguel Almiron has been regular. Frenchman Allan Saint-Maximin, who has racked up 3 goals and 5 assists so far, missed a lot of games due to injury and Christian Atsu has rarely been used.
With Atsu’s contract coming to an end next summer, the manager should look to strengthen the wings. In that regard, signing Horta would be a good decision by the club. The Portuguese international has been consistent in the last four seasons. This season, he has managed to score 11 goals and provide 6 assists in 28 league games.
His inclusion to Bruce’s squad would definitely bring healthy competition, whilst also adding depth to the attacking unit. Apart from operating on the wings, he is also capable of playing behind the striker. His versatility could allow the manager to deploy him according to any situation.
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Verdict
With a lack of depth in the wide areas, the Magpies are in dire need of wingers. And Horta could provide them with much-needed depth. He is just 25 and is at the right time to take a huge stride into the Premier League. And thus, Newcastle should manage to get the best out of the Portuguese international by making a move for him this summer.